Labour councillors have moved to axe the name of Yorkshire from the address of Redcar and Cleveland Council. But the move will be opposed by Liberal Democrat, Conservative and East Cleveland Independent councillors.

Councillor George Dunning, the council leader, says the use of Yorkshire on the postal address of the authority had helped to create an unhelpful, isolationist image of the borough.

But Councillor Eric Empson, who was chairman of the Cabinet in the previous coalition administration in the council, says the reasons being given for removing Yorkshire are petty, political nonsense.

Cllr Dunning said removing Yorkshire from the council’s address would be “a return to commonsense and a commitment to play a full and constructive role in the economic future of the Tees Valley”.

A motion is being put before Thursday’s meeting of the council proposing Yorkshire is removed from the council’s address and replaced with Redcar and Cleveland.

Cllr Dunning said it would bring to an end the “silly posturing” of the previous coalition administration, which had hindered the council’s ability to play a full role in many Tees Valley-wide and regional organisations.

He said: “At a time when the concept of the Tees Valley City Region is taking major strides forward with the establishment of the new Tees Valley Unlimited partnership and strong support from the Government it is in the interest of everyone in the borough we are recognised as enthusiastic and committed supporters willing to play our full part in driving forward the economic regeneration of the area.”

Brotton councillor Richard Rudland, who is proposing the motion, said: “This is all about looking forward and not trying to reinvent the past. I know many people in East Cleveland do have strong traditional loyalties to their Yorkshire heritage - and rightly so - but I am sure the vast majority recognise this should not be used as a reason for us declaring UDI from our neighbours or failing to play our full part within the Tees Valley.”

But Cllr Empson branded Labour’s move as “blatantly petty political nonsense”. “The motion will be opposed by Liberal Democrat, Conservative and East Cleveland independents who have pride in their Yorkshire roots,” he said.